5 Loving Actions that Will Keep Your Love Alive

It’s no secret that modern life is fast-paced and getting faster every day. In this world, relationships—and all the work they require—can easily be seen as inefficient, time-consuming and simply not gratifying enough. For your relationship to have a healthy chance at survival, you must take steps to nurture the simple, loving aspects of your union.

5 actions that are essential for your relationship:

1. Hellos and good-byes

Greeting your partner and saying good-bye are quick and easy to do but often overlooked in the chaos of hectic schedules. A warm, expressive greeting can set the stage for the entire day. An affectionate “good-bye” allows you and your partner to emotionally hold on to loving feelings while separated from each other. You’d be surprised how often couples skip this simple way to book-end their days. It may seem easier to put all your morning energies into catching the 7:15 train and overlook taking the time to stop, make eye contact with your partner and genuinely wish him/her a good day. Don’t fall into this trap.

2. Share the trivialities of life

Think back to a time when your relationship was new. What did you and your partner talk about? Probably anything and everything. The excitement of new love propels us to share even the smallest details of our day. Unfortunately that level of sharing often dwindles as relationships mature and responsibilities mount. Focus on the act of sharing to refuel intimacy. The simple act itself is more important than the specifics of what is shared. So make it a habit to share the trivialities of your day with your partner.

3. Learn to laugh together

Shared laughter is a surefire way to keep the connection with your partner vibrant. When you laugh, you’re tapping into the playful energy that transcends life’s stresses. When you and your partner make each other laugh, this energy feeds intimacy and life becomes a little less daunting. Make time for mutual playfulness and make fun of life’s absurdities —this will help you both cope with stress, develop perspective and achieve a greater sense of togetherness.

4. Communicate through Touch

Touch is a powerful way to communicate affection and foster intimacy. Whether you’re sitting across from each other at the dinner table or next to your partner on the sofa, make the effort to increase the amount you touch one another. Touch also has a calming effect on our bodies, so if you want to create a relaxed, loving atmosphere and make your partner feel special, lean into each other the next time you’re at the movies or watching TV.

5. Show your appreciation

It’s human nature to want to be recognized for the things we do. When you express gratitude, your partner receives the message that you are thankful and are not taking him/her for granted. An atmosphere of appreciation will create positive feelings and deepen your connection. Don’t fall prey to the expectation-mindset, where you start to believe that your partner is supposed to do all the things s/he does and therefore doesn’t need to be thanked for them—this mindset creates a dangerous atmosphere of complacency that erodes intimacy.

These five loving acts don’t take much time and don’t cost a dime—but the payoff is huge. You will be taking steps to protect your marriage or relationship from the fast-paced tempo of life.

Is your relationship worth protecting? Are you ready to make your marriage everything it can be?

Find out how to create the relationship of your dreams: Sign up for Dr. Nicastro’s free Relationship Toolbox Newsletter at http://StrengthenYourRelationship.com/ and immediately receive two FREE reports that will help you achieve your relationship potential.

Richard Nicastro, Ph.D. is a psychologist and relationship coach who is passionate about helping couples protect the sanctuary of their relationship. Rich and his wife Lucia founded LifeTalk Coaching, an internet-based coaching business that helps couples strengthen their relationships.

By RICHARD NICASTRO, PH.D.
Source: http://www.amazines.com/Relationships/article_detail.cfm/403228?articleid=403228

Commitment: The essential ingredient in your relationship

Anyone who has run a marathon knows about commitment. To compete, the athlete relies on extensive training and physical fitness. But when the initial enthusiasm wanes and the painful, long-distance realities grip the runner's body, it is sheer dedication--commitment to completing what she started--that sustains the runner's motivation as she reaches for the finish line.

A relationship is a lot like running a marathon. There are highs and lows, challenges and rewards, and times when you may want to give up--when it feels too difficult to continue. What will keep you on track and moving forward when your relationship hits the inevitable rough patch? Will love be enough?

Commitment: Your relationship lifeline

Commitment is a belief in relationship permanence and the understanding that at times your union will need a life-jacket to stay afloat.

When you and your partner are committed to the relationship, the union remains more important then your (and your partner's) individual needs. Without mutual commitment, deep trust will never take root and intimacy will wither. When one person's commitment is tenuous, the very fabric of the relationship is weakened. A lack of commitment reduces the buffer that holds relationships together during times of conflict and stress. Imagine living with the fear that periodic slumps in your relationship can cause your partner to bail.

Trust and deep intimacy will only grow in the soil of commitment

Commitment has a dual role in your relationship. You can view commitment as the vehicle to help deepen your love, and you can also view it as a safety net of sorts, a way to protect your marriage or relationship during the difficult periods that each and every relationship experiences.

Commitment allows love and intimacy to mature over time. Someone who ends a relationship because the excitement of new love has diminished misses out on the opportunities that relationships bring for individual and mutual growth. Some erroneously believe that a commitment like "till death do us part" means foolishly locking yourself into a life-time of potential unhappiness. No one should commit to a relationship that cannot meet their needs. Your needs (and your partner's needs) do matter and should be part of the overall commitment equation. But life and relationships are complicated, and there will be stretches of time when your partner does not meet your needs (and you will not meet your partner's needs). Commitment is what will get you through those rough stretches, enabling each of you to get back on track in meeting each other's needs once again.

All couples (married and unmarried) face an enormous challenge: How to stay devoted to one another throughout the life of your relationship, even when early enthusiasm and euphoria naturally wane.

Commitment is a very personal process. Unfortunately, for some it will mean blind dedication to a union that rarely meets their needs; while others eschew commitment and impulsively use the ebb and flow of happiness as the gauge whether to stay or leave. Both of these approaches are flawed. Ideally, commitment will remain in place as happiness comes and goes and your relationship finds its footing along life's shifting terrain.

Commitment checklist:

Commit to ________:

…understanding that love grows and deepens over a lifetime

…acknowledging that all relationships go through ups and downs

…continuously working toward a meaningful relationship that will transcend momentary happiness

…working through problems with your partner (while resisting the temptation to get your needs met outside of the relationship)

…finding solutions that will keep your relationship moving forward

…compromising (even when you think you're right)

…yourself and the relationship

Don't commit to ________:

…anything that feels abusive

…always sacrificing what's most important to you

…the idea that if your relationship requires hard work it means your relationship is flawed

…the mindset that it's acceptable for your needs to continuously go unmet

One of the greatest challenges to commitment lies in the instant-gratification mindset--the idea that you deserve to have what you want when you want it. The settings to our pleasure barometer have been altered and humans are less willing to deal with frustrating circumstances or anything that feels like it stands in the way of immediate happiness. This poses a problem for relationships.

When you make decisions about your relationship based solely on the need to feel happy (all the time), you abandon commitment and the rich opportunities that are essential for your relationship to grow.

I invite you to think about what commitment means to you. What you are committing to in your marriage or relationship?

To discover many practical tips for a stronger relationship, visit Dr. Nicastro’s website at http://StrengthenYourRelationship.com/ and sign up for his FREE monthly newsletter. You will also immediately receive two free reports that can help you build the relationship of your dreams.

Richard Nicastro, Ph.D. is a psychologist and relationship coach who is passionate about helping couples protect the sanctuary of their relationship. Rich and his wife Lucia founded LifeTalk Coaching, an internet-based coaching business that helps couples strengthen their relationships.

By RICHARD NICASTRO, PH.D.
Source: http://www.amazines.com/Relationships/article_detail.cfm/403239?articleid=403239

Relationship Help: The Reality of an Unfaithful Partner

Starting sometime in the nineteen fifties, television sitcoms started milking what has now become a pretty standard plot. It is the one where one spouse thinks the other is out fooling around but in the end it turns out to be nothing more than a series of misunderstandings. "You saw me with that woman because she is a mink coat wholesaler." Eventually all is forgiven. The jealous spouse apologizes for jumping to conclusions and for not trusting their partner. True love triumphs and all is right with the world. Fade to commercial.

But the real world does not work like that. In the U.S. alone half of all marriages end in divorce. While there are a myriad of reasons why, a significant chunk of the blame can be placed squarely on the shoulders of a spouse who is actually cheating. This is not just confined to marriage; many dating relationships have been destroyed when one or both persons have been caught tomcatting around.

There are two options when it comes to dealing with a cheating partner. The first is to ignore it. You know what is happening but for whatever reason you cannot deal with confronting the other person. There is always the hope that things will work themselves out and that your partner will stop cheating after they realize that true love is where you are.

That may happen every now and then but in the overwhelming majority of cases that is the equivalent of playing roulette with the odds stacked heavily against you. If one partner is cheating on another and feels they can get away with it anytime they want, it will probably take divine intervention or some traumatic event to change their thinking. In the meantime while pretending to be a tower of strength you are slowly dying inside.

The other option is to confront your partner with the evidence and have it out. You do not know what the future will bring but right now let the chips fall where they may. If you have to end the relationship immediately so be it, no one is going to make a fool out of you.

Understand that there could be a lot of harsh words exchanged. Everything that each of you considered a trivial problem at one time may explode to the surface. No matter what happens refrain from the physical. What's done is done so be ready to move on. They blew an opportunity to get to know more about wonderful you. This applies no matter if you have been married fifty years or have been dating five months.

Do not base your decision on what your friend, family or neighbors might say. If you have children avoid using them as a crutch to make your decision. "I'm doing this for the kids" will not make you any happier.

Also stay away from putting all the blame on you. No relationship is faultless and taking one hundred percent of the blame for another person's infidelity is just plain wrong. Be careful that the person cheating does not try to pull that one on you either. They would not cheat if only you had done x, y or z is a major copout and a clever way to put the ball back in your court while absolving themselves from all blame.

There are of course no good options when dealing with a cheating spouse or partner Seeing a professional counselor maybe able to help a great deal with the situation but in the final analysis of course the choice is yours. Just understand your main loyalty belongs to you.

By DARYL CAMPBELL
Source: http://www.amazines.com/Dating/article_detail.cfm/388911?articleid=388911

Some advices in choosing wedding photography

Wedding Photography art has evolved and grown. When the idea of wedding photography started most the couples didn’t take photo in the actual wedding until the second half of the late century they were posing for a formal photo wearing formal clothes before or after the wedding.

The great evolution of this art occur when the colored photo invented in the beginning of the late century, but in that time the people kept using the black and white photo because the expensive price and poor quality of the colored one. In these days wedding photography became something mandatory in the wedding and it has to be considered in the wedding plan and you to keep a budget for it.

If you want to have a nice package of wedding photography you must find the appropriate wedding photographer. Now it is easier to find a wedding photographer all what you have to do is searching on the internet you can find a lot of them and you can actually see some of there work.

You have to make sure to choose the appropriate one after that call him not by the email call him by the phone because you have to make sure that he is a nice person and you can't know that by the mail, because you don’t want any thing to bother you in this special day.

If my wedding photography brings assistance with him is this good or bad? Most the photographers do that it's good most the times, because a professional wedding photographer well only brings a professional assistant, and he is in the wedding to help the photographer to cover the whole wedding and capture every thing in it.

About the cost of the wedding photography, well this is something that you determine it according to you budget, there is no standard in the cost it's depend on many things like: 1. The wedding photographers you choose 2. The photography style 3. The celebration period 4. kind of options you want to add to you wedding photography package

By KENDY SMITH
Source: http://www.amazines.com/Dating/article_detail.cfm/391006?articleid=391006

Relationship Tip: Women Love Us But

"How can she possibly go out with that guy?" Keep your ears open long enough and you will hear that question or at least a variation of it a number of times in your life.

Some women ask this question not because they want an answer but more so out of plain jealousy. They want what another woman already has. That is all part of the game. Still others really are curious as to why she would even pick this particular guy to build a relationship.

No one can fully understand romance or human compatibility. It is what it is but that does not mean women love everything about us. In fact the majority could really do well without the following:

1. Selfishness

It's all about you. When the circumstances directly affect her, you find away to become the center of it. Dating and relationships are about give and take. Nobody and I mean nobody should get their way all the time or even want to. Not only does it make for dullness in the partnership but you are also buying stock in the resentment portfolio. It may not come back to bite you tomorrow or the next day but the longer the selfishness continues the more likely the resentment will grow. And when it comes to the surface you will be in for a nasty shock.

This also includes being a power freak. You will decide what, when, where, why and how much in every facet of the relationship. You want to be king of the roost but are not willing to make her the your queen. She is not your servant; she is your partner so learn to trust her decision making process and be prepared to let her lead sometimes.

2. Huh?

That means you were not listening. This drives women up the wall. It says that a: you do not respect her opinion and b: she is not worth listening to. Communication is high on the list of priorities for many women and listening is a huge part of the equation. If you need to train yourself to listen than do it. Besides that she will also appreciate the effort on your part. 3. The Mama's Boy

A good relationship with your mom is to be cherished and respected. No woman should begrudge you that. However running to mama to solve some problems you maybe having in your relationship or worse still using her as a standard to routinely criticize your partner is a definite no-no. It shows a strong lack of independence. Keep in mind also that while women may have maternal instincts that does not imply they want to assume the role of matriarch in your relationship. Two consenting adults means just that. There are of course many other things that women don't particularly like about us but it would probably take days to list them all (You can hear the ladies now saying think in terms of years). That's fine. No one is perfect so follow the three tips mentioned do the best you and watch it pay dividends.

Article written by Daryl Campbell. You can hear the ladies saying that it would take years not days to list all the things they don't like about men. Not surprising but it doesn't have to be that way. Find out how to manage the Relationship Matrix

By DARYL CAMPBELL
Source: http://www.amazines.com/Dating/article_detail.cfm/391431?articleid=391431

Dating Online: Tips to make it a Success

If you are interested in finding yourself a date online, then there are a few things that you should be aware of before you do so.

Dating online can be a very fulfilling and ultimately successful experience if you are willing to commit to really finding someone through the plethora of services available, but at the same time it can be depressing or downright irritating if you are unaware of some of the potential pitfalls awaiting you on the road to finding that special someone for your particular life. Here are some tips that will help you along the road to making sure that your adventure with dating online is a complete success.

First and foremost, do not just limit yourself to one dating website. While there are a number of good websites around and surely you can find someone worth spending time with from each one, what you are going to find ultimately is that with not that much more effort, you can branch out and look at multiple sites. While a lot of people you might encounter on other websites are people that you might already know, there are many people even today that only look at one website. Therefore, by branching out and looking at multiple websites, you are increasing the chance that your special someone will cross paths with you somewhere online.

Secondly, put some thought and effort into making your profile. If I had a nickel for all of the times that I saw someone say on an online website "hi i luv to hav fun kthx call mee" I would probably be a very rich person today. Those types of profiles are very annoying to read and almost guarantee that you are not going to get very many replies from people looking to meet you. What's even more interesting is that the converse is also true; if you type in complete sentences with reasonable flow and grammar, you are going to get a lot of people interested in you and really isn't that what the whole thing is about in the first place?

And while we're at it, go ahead and slap a picture up on your profile as well. If you want to go ahead and get a special one taken for you to use on your website, then that is most definitely your prerogative. However, make sure that you include a picture on your website, especially if you want to talk to people that have pictures on their own websites. This is because people have gone to the trouble of including a picture of themselves and therefore it would be nice if you reciprocated; it would show them that you are serious about this and that is a very good way to come across.

Do these three things and you'll be surprised at how much they improve your chances at finding someone. Remember, when the goal is to find the person you want to spend the rest of your life with, you need to be willing to go above and beyond in order to achieve

By LEE SMITH
Source: http://www.amazines.com/Dating/article_detail.cfm/402957?articleid=402957

Impressive Dating with Woman

Tips to have an impressive date with a woman

It can be very nervous for man asking a date especially the lady that you admire or someone you are not close with. It is undeniable that this is usual especially this is your first date with ladies. Well no too worries few tips as below able to make you a wonderful date for this coming Valentine Day.

Asking her for a date:

1) Before asking her out for a date, try to have some conversation together. This will be an opportunity for you to discover if your personalities and ideas are attuned with each other, before you do decide to ask her out for a date. You may find more of her interest to be talk to her during the date.

2) When calling through the phone. Don't forget to mention to her the conversations you had. This will give her the impression that you do listen, making her feel important. Then if you feel that it is time to ask her, go ahead; ask gently, not in a demanding manner.

3) Ask when you both are alone. Never ask a girl out on a date in front of others, like her friends. If she says no, you will both be embarrassed.

During the date:

1) Overall impression and neat is telling how important this date for you. You must look good, and neat. You can take some time to be well groomed, smell nice and choose your clothes look smart and neat. The clothes you put on must correspond to the place with which your date is set. You are creating a good impression and make her feel charm and proud of you.

2) Prepare this big day ahead. Make the necessary reservations and planning for your date. If you have planned for it, she will be impressed that you did put some effort on your night together. Be sure that during the big day you have no appointments.

3) Be earlier to fetch her at her house. When you see her, make her feel good by complimenting the way she looks.

4) When both of you seated at the table, send her a bouquet of flowers - roses which you never go wrong for the date regardless whether that is the first date. Turn off the cell phone will signal to her that you are very much interested in your moment together.

5) Be polite when you talk to her. Say her name often in your conversation to make her feel ease and special. Aside from putting up a positive attitude, your smile is an indication that you are happy to be with her.

6) Have a Sense of Humor. Making a woman laugh means you have won half your battle. This means that she is having a nice time and creates a positive atmosphere. This will be an occasion she would remember, because she had fun!

7) Be attentive. Listen to what she has to say, do not interrupt. Let her finish, before you state your opinion and make eye contact.

8) Be honest. Let her get to know you by telling her what you do and what interests you. If she does not like you for whom you are, then she is not worth your time. Show interest in her too by asking her about her work, hobbies and her likes. Be sensible and honest in initiating such conversations.

9) Relax. Do not worry that your date is not having a good time. Just manage yourself well and enjoy the evening. Be sincere on the conversations open and ask questions.

10) Do not pretend but you can treat the date as time you hang out with friends. Pretending to be somebody that you're not, will not work in the long run relationship. The truth will always come out sooner or later. It is a rewarding feeling if someone is drawn to you for who you really are.

11) Enjoy. Dating should be exciting and relaxing. A woman can sense if you are enjoying your time with her or not. Don't stress yourself trying so hard to make it the perfect date because it won't be. But you both can enjoy it. After all, you did invite her out because you liked her in the first place. Be spontaneous and have fun.

If you have a person that you really want to ask for a date, act immediately and you will be never regret if you start the first step.

By SHIRLEY KOK
Source: http://www.amazines.com/Dating/article_detail.cfm/403374?articleid=403374

3 Tips for Choosing Unique Wedding Favors

Every bride wants her wedding to be unique and personal. While a bride-to-be may see something in a magazine or be inspired by a celebrity's or a friend's wedding, there are many personal touches that she'll want to add to make her day very special and unlike anyone else's. When searching for unique wedding favors, your choices are virtually endless. However, before you buy the first thing that catches your eye, check out these three quick tips for selecting just the right personal and unique wedding favors for your reception.

Tip #1 - Make sure they express your personality.

Unique wedding favors are great, as long as they're not so unique that they really have nothing to do with you and your groom. For instance, suppose you live in the city; if that's the case, why would you hand out seed packets to your guests? Or suppose you and your fiancée don't drink and not many in your family or circle of friends do either. Why would you choose bottle stoppers? When choosing unique wedding favors, you still want guests to think of you every time they see or use them, which they probably won't do if they have nothing to do with you and your personality.

Tip #2 - Don't make them too unique!

Whatever you decide to hand out as wedding favors is of course your choice, but if you're searching for unique wedding favors and decide to give your guests something that's strange, odd, or too much of a joke or gag gift, this might be going just a bit too far. There's a time to have a good sense of humor and a time to be serious, and you may want your wedding favors to be something in between, so do be careful. For instance, giving your guests a jar of pennies may be one of those unique wedding favors that seem fun or silly, but may just leave them scratching their heads as to the meaning. Or, handing out Christmas ornaments may not be appreciated by any of your guests who don't observe the holiday. Remember, unique is good, but showing balance in this regard is even better.

Tip #3 - Be mindful of the cost.

There's really no limit as to how much you can spend on a wedding and reception, and purchasing unique wedding favors can really put a dent in your budget if you're not careful. It's so tempting to purchase crystal ornaments, silver frames, designer chocolates, or something else that you really love, but when you multiply the cost of the favors by the number of your guests, you see how it can so quickly add up. And don't forget shipping costs if you're ordering off the internet!

On the other hand, it's a good idea to be mindful of how cheap or tacky something can look when choosing unique wedding favors. You can definitely purchase inexpensive photo frames, jars of liquid bubbles, and small boxes of chocolates and dress them up nicely, but make sure you're doing just that - dressing them up. If you opt for something you assemble yourself such as chocolates in a tulle bag, be sure to tie them with a big organza or beaded ribbon; you can purchase lengths of these very inexpensively at fabric or craft stores. Silver wrapping paper is great for boxes of chocolates or picture frames.

The bottom line is that unique wedding favors can be a welcome touch to any wedding and really make yours memorable, but don't go overboard with these. Choose something that your guests will love and appreciate and that doesn't break your budget, and you're sure to have made the right decision.

By LINDA ELLISON
Source: http://www.amazines.com/Relationships/article_detail.cfm/397183?articleid=397183

5 Quick Suggestions for Cheap Wedding Favors

Many brides wonder if cheap wedding favors will look, well, cheap! But in reality, there are some really simple things you can do to either purchase, dress up, or make your own cheap wedding favors that will leave a lasting impression with your guests. Here are 5 quick and simple suggestions:

Small photo frames.

Go to any dollar store or discount store and do a little rummaging, and you're sure to find small photo frames that are actually quite lovely, and which will fit the theme of your wedding. For instance, if you're having an autumn wedding, opt for nice wooden frames. For more traditional weddings, there are probably silver or gold frames. Small photo frames are a great option as cheap wedding favors because virtually everyone can use them - on their desk at work, on a small corner of their nightstand, or on a bookshelf.

Wooden boxes.

Most craft stores carry small wooden boxes that are either hinged or have a matching lid. These make lovely and cheap wedding favors if you paint or stain them, or are still affordable if they're already finished. Most people have a use for small boxes as storage for their desk or drawers. If you really want to dress them up, print out a personal message in a lovely font and leave it inside. While wooden boxes may seem like cheap wedding favors, they're really very unique and quite practical, and some stores even carry heart-shaped ones for an added touch.

Boxes of chocolates.

Sure, you can spend hundreds and even thousands on designer chocolates or bonbons, but this isn't really necessary. More affordable brands such as Russell Stover, Whitman's, or Fannie Mae are still very tasty, and most have small sample boxes you can purchase for around a dollar each. Or, buy some plain boxes from the stationery or gift supply store and some chocolates from a local baker and assemble your own. These types of cheap wedding favors look better when they're dressed up with some nice wrapping paper and ribbon, which is also usually very affordable.

Bags of candy.

We're not talking about something you buy at the store but bags of chocolates, Jordan almonds, mints, or another candy that you put together yourself. Assembling these types of things are always great options for cheap wedding favors because you save so much money by doing it yourself. If there's a bulk food store near you, get some prices on a few pounds of candy, along with the type of bag you want. Tulle or netting is good, and can be tied with a silk ribbon or one made from crystal beads for an added touch; both can be found at a fabric store. You can use wax paper bags and seal them with a personalized label. When selecting this option for a cheap wedding favor, you might want to purchase just enough for one or two bags and then see how much candy goes into each bag - for example, if it's 4 ounces per bag, and there's 16 ounces in a pound, you know that a pound of candy will fill up four bags. If you have 150 guests, you will need about 40 pounds of candy (it's always a good idea to purchase a bit more than you need just to be sure). If the candy is $2 per pound, that's $80 for the candy alone.

Remember, even cheap wedding favors can start to add up, so do some comparison shopping and crunch some numbers before you actually make a decision.

Personalized candy bar wrappers.

If you choose the right personalized candy bar wrappers from the right company, you're sure to find ones that are perfect for the theme of your wedding and that can be kept in a scrapbook or album for years to come. They work even better as cheap wedding favors if you buy just the wrapper and assemble the bars yourself. They can also be used in place of a centerpiece if you arrange them in a circle in the middle of the table, or can dress up a table without a centerpiece, saving you even more money.

With a little bit of thought and imagination, you'll see that you can find just the right cheap wedding favors that will be appreciated and treasured by your guests.

By LINDA ELLISON
Source: http://www.amazines.com/Relationships/article_detail.cfm/397188?articleid=397188

5 Ideas for Elegant Wedding Favors

Maybe cost isn't much of a concern for you when it comes to your wedding, or you're having a reception small enough that you can afford elegant wedding favors for all your guests. Whatever the case, there are some great ideas for favors that are unique, personal, and oh so elegant.

Decadent truffles.

Gourmet chocolates are a favorite as elegant wedding favors, because not only do they taste wonderful, they are usually prepared in such a way that they look beautiful as well. Many gourmet chocolate makers have small boxes of their creations that are suitable as wedding favors, or will prepare sample boxes for you. If they do not come pre-wrapped, be sure to wrap them in elegant paper and tie them with a big organza ribbon. Champagne truffles especially make elegant wedding favors, or choose your own, such as dark chocolates, white chocolates, and so on.

Glass and crystal.

We're not talking shot glasses or beer mugs here, but crystal champagne flutes, glass paperweights or coasters, or even small figurines of two hearts or doves make for elegant wedding favors. These too can be dressed up with organza ribbon, or incorporated into the table's place settings for a beautifully presented table.

Silver picture frames and other items.

Smaller silver frames can be great for inexpensive wedding favors, but when you're talking about elegant wedding favors, you will want to opt for 5x7 picture frames or silver keepsake boxes. Money clips for the men and silver bracelets for the women are also very elegant wedding favors; these usually come in individual boxes that you can wrap in festive paper. Candlestick holders are also a great idea for silver, as are dishes that can double as holders for spare change or keys.

Remember, you don't need to find your wedding favors at a store or site that only sells favors. Shop your local department store for unique ideas when it comes to silver items.

Hand-painted boxes.

Virtually any gift store will offer elegant hand-pained boxes, either with hinged lids or fitted lids, that are perfectly appropriate for your elegant wedding favors. There is a wealth of designs available to you, from Victorian elegance to autumn scenes, to traditional designs. These are wonderful options as everyone uses boxes, whether for their desk at the office or bedside table or on a bookcase. Even men appreciate a place for their keys and spare change, or as a place to hold important papers.

Gift sets or bags.

If you really can't decide on which elegant wedding favors from which to choose, opt for more than one and assemble a selection of gifts into a gift bag or basket. You can really make these festive by wrapping each gift individually so that your guests will enjoy the time it takes to unwrap them when they get home. Choose beautiful gift bags, not just any old paper ones you get from a discount store, to really make a statement, and tie the handles with silk ribbon. You can even use organza or tulle bags, making sure it will hold the weight of your gift, and tie the top with ribbon or strings of crystal beads you can find at any fabric store.

If you give some thought to your choice of elegant wedding favors, you'll find that you have many options available for you. Don't limit yourself to what you find at a wedding supply store, but browse your local department store and use your imagination. If you follow these suggestions, you're sure to present your guests with beautiful and elegant wedding favors that are sure to please.

By LINDA ELLISON
http://www.amazines.com/Relationships/article_detail.cfm/397197?articleid=397197

ENERGIZE Your HEART, DEEPEN Your RELATIONSHIPS

Love, romance, friendship, feeling a deep connection with others, loving and being loved-these are universally recognized as the keys to a happy and fulfilled life. Yet so many people feel a lack of each one of these. Our culture is both more interested in love, and at the same time more frightened of love than ever before. Heart Rhythm Meditation can help you develop more fulfilling relationships by expanding your heart in several dimensions.

The term heart is so often used it has become almost meaningless. At the Institute for Applied Meditation, we describe it in terms of its four dimensions: the vertical dimension, including height and depth, the horizontal dimension, including right and left width, the forward dimension, and the inner dimension. Each dimension includes different qualities of the heart:

* height brings a sense of idealism, hope, and optimism, lifting the heart in joy
* depth brings a sense of empathy, sincerity, and connection
* the left width brings receptivity, tenderness, and the ability to embrace difference
* the right width is expressive of influence, stability, and peace
* the forward dimension brings radiance, enthusiasm, initiative, and creativity
* the inner dimension brings a sense of connection with all, as well as the capacity for growth and love

In order to harness the power of Heart Rhythm Meditation, we start with the view that the state of your relationships with others is a reflection of the state of your heart. The heart is constantly growing, constantly progressing toward its fullest development, which tends to occur in one or two dimensions at a time.

Our first task is to assess which dimensions of your heart are strong, and which are weak. We have several methods of assessment, including the Heart Index, an online questionnaire which gives you a score for each dimension. It takes just a few minutes to answer the questions. The Heart Index can be found at http://www.IAMheart.org/emotional/index.shtml.

The dimensions of the heart that are most helpful for working on your relationships are the depth and the horizontal dimension of the heart.

When your heart is strong in a certain dimension, it gives you certain strengths which we can recognize. When it is weak in that dimension, there are certain problems we can detect. For example, with a heart that is developed in the horizontal dimension, or width -- a broad heart -- you are a natural networker who extends your personal boundary to easily include others.

If the left width is more developed, it makes you a good listener, cooperative with others, and tolerant. Your easy acceptance makes you well-liked. You don't complain about others and you're not judgmental. You appreciate diversity-it takes all kinds. What other people do doesn't bother you. Your receptivity quickly picks up the mood of individuals or a group.

If the right side of your heart is more developed, it makes you expressive, gregarious, friendly, warm, and influential. You have the ability to harmonize yourself with others and harmonize others to yourself. You go out of your way to be helpful to others, even people you don't know.

When both sides of your heart are developed, you easily form alliances with others. You become very stable, like a rock in the stream of life. Towards others this stability becomes loyalty and dependability; personally, it becomes contentment. This contentment makes you inclined to peace and harmony, while less inclined to risk. You attract many people who need stability and safety, who want to lean on someone and be cared for, and who recognize these abilities in you. Your stability will be challenged and tested by the many who hang on to you.

Everyone wants the broad-hearted on their side, to attend their party, to sit at their table. Broad-hearted people make others feel more whole and secure, so you are claimed as a friend by everyone. When two groups that don't get along with each other both claim you, it puts you in a dilemma. Unable to alienate or disappoint either group, you'll be pulled in two directions. Also, your accepting nature may be taken advantage of by others who appear to be friendly but are actually exploitative.

When your heart is broadened beyond a balanced condition, you may become so accepting as to become permissive of wrong behavior. In your extreme loyalty, you may overlook a serious problem with your friend that can reflect back on yourself. You avoid confrontation, preferring harmony at all costs. You would like to be independent, but you let the group or another speak for you.

When the heart lacks breadth, it is narrow - constrained on both sides. A narrow heart is isolated. When your heart is narrow you feel intolerant of others, which brings a sense of conflict, so you avoid contact, reinforcing your isolation. In the extreme, this creates social phobia where you are extremely uncomfortable among others, especially strangers. With a narrow heart you're uncooperative, unfriendly, easily irritated, misunderstood and intolerant of change. You specialize in a limited, inflexible, narrow range of expertise.

As you read this description, do you have any strong emotional reaction to it? Does it attract you, as in, 'yes! This is what I need to work on!'; or does it repulse you? Any strong reaction is important to explore. A good way to do it is to sit in meditation and connect your breath to your heartbeat. Feel that you're breathing in and expanding your heart horizontally, embracing all. Feel what emotions come up during this process.

The heart with depth emphasizes the emotions that connect all people and the states of being that we have in common. Your deep heart is empathetic, allowing you to easily feel what other hearts feel as if there was no separation or barrier between you. In the depth we are all united, like water lilies under the water, even though we appear separate on the surface. Because with a deep heart you feel so keenly the reaction of others to your actions, you become very considerate toward others. You are naturally tender and kind. You live in your emotions, so you are familiar with all the feelings that arise, whether desires or fears, longings or anxieties.

Your deep heart is easily moved by the beauty of flowers, the blessing of rain, the smile of a child, or the warmth of a friendly gesture. Scenes in movies and stories of friends affect you strongly. Feelings become your friends; emotions are proof of the energy that moves within your heart. With your deep heart you are a natural counselor. Because of your sympathetic nature, everyone talks to you and expresses their frustrations and victories.

The deepest emotions are felt here in the depth of the heart, the emotions that are without cause, the emotions that are felt in the heart of humanity. Beneath your feeling of loss, for example, is a much greater sense of loss: the separation of the self from the Source. Loss is experienced at certain times-at the end of a relationship, pregnancy, job, or the life of a friend. But the loss of separation is an unconscious, continual emotion in the depth of your heart.

Likewise, joy is experienced at certain times -- a new opportunity, the beginning of a relationship, the purchase of a new car. But there is always a joy in the depth of your heart due to the unconscious, continual discovery of your self reflected in others, in nature, and in beautiful things. The deep emotions of separation and reunion are at the heart of your most profound experiences in life.

With a deep heart, you have access to the hearts of all. It is difficult to separate your own feelings from the feelings of others. In reality, there is no separation between hearts, but people whose hearts lack depth can imagine they are emotionally independent of others-they don't notice that what others feel they feel also. But you, with a deep heart, you can catch the feeling of another person in a glance.

With a deep heart, the awareness of the network that connects all hearts is strong, so you are personally offended when someone acts in a way that harms others. You feel the problems of others as your own, so you take on the struggle of others.

Your deep heart is sympathetic to the pain, confusion and frustration within the hearts of others that can cause them to lash out, and in this sympathy you may even allow them to hurt you. This is incomprehensible to those without depth, but in the depth of your heart you already feel the pain of your tormentors intensely, so the added pain of abuse is not an intolerable increase, and gives a dramatic confirmation of what you feel.

Another kind of distortion of the deep heart is the emotional roller-coaster. To a person without depth, an extreme emotional shift like the change from anger to kindness, for example, is baffling and may appear to be manipulative, whereas the person with a deep heart has access to that fundamental, nameless emotion at the root of all the emotions that can be named. Followed to its depth, every emotion leads to this nameless but very intense emotional base and rises again as a different emotion. The distortion is to ping-pong from one strong emotion to another. Others won't be able to see the connection and will be upset by your rapid change, thinking they're responsible for triggering it. The solution to the roller-coaster is to expand the capacity of your heart (the inner dimension), so you can hold several emotions at once. This will keep all your emotions in balance.

Also, deep-hearted people may suffer from a sense that they are not loved by others. The connection between hearts is so real in their deep heart that you they are hurt by any lack of appreciation in others, and especially a lack of appreciation toward yourself. A common lament is, "How could someone to whom I am so connected not appreciate me?"

Again, as you read this description, does it call to you? Does it make you feel uncomfortable, does it seem impossible, does it frighten you-any strong reaction is important.

You can strengthen your heart; through meditation, and through the choices you make in life. We emphasize three ways of energizing your heart: recognition, application, and meditation. The first, recognition, is to see in others the qualities that are emerging in you. We call it 'recognizing greatness', and it will revolutionize how you see other people. You focus on the greatness of the hearts of others, even if it is obscured by distortion, you still focus on the greatness. The second way, application, involves what we call 'Exercises for Life'. We have 8 exercises for developing the horizontal dimension, including this one:

Mean what you say and say what you mean; speak clearly and simply. This will make you trustworthy.

We also have 8 exercises for developing the depth of the heart, including:

Don't avoid emotional pain; instead, experience your heart's pain with all your awareness, until it becomes a physical sensation. Go so deeply into pain that it becomes the pain of humanity. Let the pain turn to joy, to all feeling.

Finally, we have Heart Rhythm Meditation exercises developed specifically for each dimension of the heart. The Institute for Applied Meditation specializes in this powerful method of inner reflection. Heart Rhythm Meditation involves feeling the flow of energy in your heart as you breathe fully and deeply, while making your breathing pattern stable and rhythmic. We do this by counting the beats of the heart and coordinating it with the breath, for example, 8 beats in, 8 beats out. Heart Rhythm Meditation energizes your heart in all four dimensions, transforming your relationships and your life.

We have found the Heart Rhythm Meditation is very effective at developing each of the dimensions, and that it is good to focus on one or two at a time. We would love to share more of this method with you so that you can begin to energize your heart and strengthen your relationships.

By PURAN BAIR
Source: http://www.amazines.com/Relationships/article_detail.cfm/397966?articleid=397966

How to prepare wedding invitation?

To your wedding ceremony run smooth, you have to spend a lot of time and money for preparation such as decoration, dresses, guest and party. Especially, invitation wedding is one important thing which you should remember. Wedding invitations are one of the most important purchases that the bride and groom must make during their wedding planning. These give the guests all of the information they need in order to make plans to attend the wedding. Follow these basics to ensure that all of the proper information is included with the wedding invitations.

Choosing wedding invitations that mesh with the theme of the wedding is one of the factors that the bride and groom must consider. If the wedding is formal, then the invitation should convey this, just as it should if the wedding is casual. If the wedding has a particular theme or color scheme then it should be incorporated into the wedding invitations. This is all important because the guests will know what to expect at the event and will dress appropriately.

The wedding invitations are most important because they give guests all of the necessary information. These should be printed with the full names of the bride and groom, the date, time, and location of the ceremony. It should also include information about the reception if it is different than the ceremony information. This will ensure that guests have all of the information they need in order to attend the wedding. Since many of the guests will be distant family and friends, the wedding invitations need to accurately convey this message.

Along with the wedding invitations, the guests will need a way to respond whether or not they will be attending the wedding. This information may be included on the invitation or may be included as a reply card in the envelope. The reply card should include a place for the guests to include their names, whether they will be attending the wedding or not, how many people will be attending, and which meal they prefer if are choice is given. This should be included with a self-addressed, stamped envelope for the reply card to be returned.

They might also consider having their return address preprinted on the wedding invitation envelope as well as the reply card envelope. This is an inexpensive addition that will save the bride and groom time in addressing their wedding invitations. They may also include information about hotels and nearby attractions for out of town guests. In addition, the bride and groom may include directions to the ceremony and reception.

All of these are important considerations when purchasing wedding invitations. This is one of the most fun purchases that the bride and groom will make while wedding planning. It will put their wedding date in writing and make their wedding feel more real, especially as the guests start responding! Wedding invitations are one of the most crucial parts of a wedding and so the bride and groom should put a lot of thought and effort into choosing the right ones!

By KENDY SMITH
Source: http://www.amazines.com/Dating/article_detail.cfm/398295?articleid=398295

The Dangers of Online Dating

Online dating is rapidly becoming one of the most common ways for potential couples to get together. Most of us know at least one person who is an active participant in internet dating, and this method of meeting a partner has opened up a whole new avenue for people who, for one reason or another, struggled to meet partners. Internet dating is now a billion dollar business, and the major sites are thoroughly professional and offer a fantastic service. However, we keep hearing about horror stories relating to online dating.

One of the most common issues is that people can misrepresent themselves online. This can range from people who lie about their height by an inch or so, to people whose aim is to con others out of money. There are also the people who lie about their marital status. There is the chance of meeting these types of people in an offline situation, but with internet dating, you usually build an online relationship with a person before you meet them. It is much easier for someone to misrepresent themselves via email than it is through personal contact. Once the relationship has its foundations set online, it becomes much easier for the rogue dater to continue the charade when they eventually meet offline.

One way to avoid being duped by this sort of person is to mentally ‘wipe the slate clean’ when you meet for the first time. Pretend to yourself that this is the first time you have communicated, and allow yourself to build an impression based on your first meeting rather than previous written communication. As previously mentioned, it is much harder to pull the wool over someone’s eyes in the flesh than it is in the virtual world.

Another tip for avoiding weirdo’s if you are inexperienced in online dating is to join one of the bigger sites. These sites tend to be harder to join due to the volume of information they require from their members. The more free text you have to enter to join the site, the less likely it is that some crook will be prepared to do the same. Not when there are a thousand other sites which are a lot easier to join. As you get more experienced in online dating, you will learn how to spot the dodgy dates quickly, so don’t rule out the less established dating sites altogether.

Online dating can be a great way to meet a potential partner. However, as with most things in life there is the risk that you might encounter some unsavory characters in the process. Making yourself aware of the potential risks is the best way to avoid the dangers of internet dating, rare though they are.

By JULIE WESTBROOK
Source: http://www.amazines.com/Dating/article_detail.cfm/396744?articleid=396744

Online Dating Profiles

Writing an online dating profile can be one of the most cringe inducing tasks we ever do. However, if, like millions of others, you want to be part of the internet dating boom, then you will need to learn how to write one. Writing a profile isn't something you should rush, and this article covers some of the points you should take into account when writing your internet dating profile.

The internet dating profile is like the classified ad of days gone by. Instead of five acronym laden lines in a newspaper ad, you will be expected to write a couple of paragraphs. This, in addition to your photograph, is what 'sells' you. Speaking of the photograph, some people may be wary about posting their photograph to a dating site, and may hold off doing so. That is fine - internet dating still works without a photograph. However, don't expect anyone with a photograph to reply to your messages. In the undocumented hierarchy of the dating site, those without photographs are usually snubbed by those with photographs...

Typically, an internet dating profile will require you to write about who you are and what you are looking for. There will be countless checkboxes where you can exclude a certain group of people, for example single parents or smokers. Fill these out carefully, as it will help to reduce the number of waste-of-time dates you go out on.

The descriptive answers are always the hardest to answer on the dating profile questionnaire. Most people find it very difficult to write about themselves knowing it will be in full view of millions of strangers. The best way to get ideas is to look at the other profiles of the members on the site who are looking in the same category as you are. If you spend a couple of hours reading those profiles, you will definitely get a good idea of what decent and poor profiles look like.

Always be positive about yourself. I remember reading a profile once where the person said they could do with losing a few pounds. This is dating suicide - if you don't have a high opinion of yourself, why should anyone else? The issue here is not about being overweight; it's about admitting to potential suitors that you are unhappy with the way you look, and that comes across as very negative. Also, don't be tempted to say you have been coerced into trying internet dating - that gives the impression you aren't that committed to meeting someone.

Don't take yourself too seriously when writing your profile. Your profile represents your online image, and you don't want to put people off by being over pretentious. Think about some of the most famous movie stars in the world. Most of them come across as crackpots - they always have some crazy religious/diet/workout fad on the go, and take themselves way too seriously. Whether you are male or female, when writing a profile think of yourself as the George Clooney of the dating world; he never takes himself too seriously and as a result the media love him.

Writing an online dating profile is nowhere near as difficult as it seems. Follow the advice above and you won't go far wrong...

By JULIE WESTBROOK
Source: http://www.amazines.com/Dating/article_detail.cfm/396745?articleid=396745

10 Tips for Your Online Dating Profile Picture

What kind of picture should you use in your online dating profile? It's a question that torments many online daters, but the decisions that you make will greatly impact how well your profile performs.

Research shows that profiles with pictures perform infinitely better than profiles without pictures. In most cases, people will click on a picture they find interesting before they even read the online profile. Looks are an important part of attraction, there's just no way of getting around it.

Remember one thing. Most of us don't look like models. Different people have different tastes. It's safe to assume that most people looking for a mate aren't expecting to find a super model. They're hoping to find someone they find attractive, but most importantly they're looking to find someone they have common likes and interests with.

Now that we've gone over the importance of having a picture, grab a trusted friend and a digital camera and start taking some pictures. Here are 10 Tips to follow when picking out your picture, 5 good, and 5 not so good. 5 Rules to Follow:

1. Include a headshot of yourself. Make sure it is not cropped from another photo. The shot should be 100% focused on your face. Remember it's important to be honest in everything you put in your profile, and this includes your picture.

2. Use well-lit photos with a light background. Avoid dark pictures. The purpose of the picture is to highlight you and your appearance. Don't clutter the picture with other images which would pull the attention away from you.

3. Make sure to post multiple pictures of yourself. The more pictures you post, the better. If you have interests, post a picture of yourself doing the activity. If you have a pet, make sure to include 1 picture (and only 1, you don't want people thinking you're pet obsessed) of you with your pet. These pictures will help to tell the story of who you are.

4. Make sure to show a full body picture of yourself. If you have a body that you're not so proud of, you still need to take a photo that shows off your body. You can take it from some distance, but people what to have an idea of what your body looks like. If you have a great body that you like to show off, it never hurts to take a picture of yourself in a bathing suit. Research shows this pictures always get more clicks.

5. Smile, smile, smile!!!

5 Things Not to Do

1. No pictures with an ex. The last thing a potential match wants to see is you snuggling with someone else. It's an instant turn off.

2. No lingerie or nudity. Unless you're at an adult site looking for a sex buddy, there's no reason to show yourself in a provocative pose. It sends off a message that your looking for another notch in your belt, not a long term relationship.

3. No group pictures. You may have the greatest friends in the world, but when someone is looking at your profile, they don't want to figure out which person you are among a group of people.

4. Don't show pictures of yourself out clubbing or partying. It gives the impression that you're only focused on partying and having a good time.

5. Don't use a picture that is blurred, darkened, or that appears to be hiding something in your physical appearance. Be honest and put yourself out there. Odds are if a person doesn't like the way you look in a picture, they most likely won't like the way you look in person. Save your self some time and aggravation and eliminate those people before you get involved with them.

Your picture is important, and remember to log into your account frequently. Most sites display the candidates that most recently logged in first, which means that the more often you log in, the more often your picture will be at the top of the profile list. The more exposure you get means the more opportunity you'll have to get noticed.

By JIM MCMENAMIN
Source: http://www.amazines.com/Dating/article_detail.cfm/397975?articleid=397975

Online Dating Tip: The 3 Questions That Can Save You Time and Trouble

One of the most powerful things about online dating is its ability to break down barriers. People who are from entirely different backgrounds and beliefs are able to come together by realizing they have more things in common than they realize. If the same situation was presented to them in the offline world than the chances are they would not be receptive. Not to say that internet dating online is one large community free of hang-ups where you will find the love of your life instantly. It is not and no one should fool themselves into thinking otherwise.

Like the offline world, online dating requires continuous learning about the other person. In fact it may be a little more detailed since it requires the proper image that puts you in a more positive light as well as constant messaging and chatting before you even decide to meet face to face. For this reason it is crucial to ask certain questions to let you know where the other person stands.

1. What are you looking for in a potential partner?

This is a pretty basic question but you would be surprised at how many people it trips up. Why because many people do not have a clue as to what they are looking for in the other person. Pay special attention to their answer. Do they go into detail that pleases you or turns you off? If they say they don't know than that is a clear indication to take the relationship even slower and a little bit more cautiously. That "I don't know" response maybe genuine or they could be hiding something.

2. If you have done this before how did it go?

You may find yourself attracted to a person who has gone through the online dating experience previously. If things did not go well pay attention to how they express it. Do they trash the other person unmercifully or do they blame themselves to the point of unhealthy self pity? There is nothing wrong with singing the blues about what went wrong but if their answer is at either extreme than watch out.

3. What makes a good relationship?

When they answer do they talk in terms of an equal partnership or does it seem like one person (you) should go out their way to meet the majority of expectations of the other person (them)? This is an excellent question for gauging what your relationship will be like if you choose to pursue it.

Keep in mind that even if they answer all of these questions to your satisfaction, you should let your instincts play a major role in your decision making process. In some cases the person could be giving you the answers they think you want to hear and not necessarily what they believe. Now it maybe they like you so much they want to please you or it could be deception plain and simple. You do not know so use your instincts and take it slow.

You are not asking these questions to start an argument or make the other person uncomfortable but to get a sense of what the future may hold for the both of you. Therefore do not be afraid to ask. If the other person is really on the same wavelength as you then they will be only too happy to answer. Also be ready to offer your take on these questions. A big part of a good relationship is communication and that involves some give and take on everybody's part.

Article written by Daryl Campbell. Internet dating online is a phenomenon that will only continue to grow. Be honest and ask a lot of questions but also stay alert to anything that concerns your safety and security.

By DARYL CAMPBELL
Source: http://www.amazines.com/Dating/article_detail.cfm/398076?articleid=398076

Hints and How to Find Love through the Internet

There is now an even better and highly advanced way to find love. Find out how you, too, can find your true love through online dating.

You probably have friends, or know someone who has met their spouse over the chat room or dating websites. If you notice, more and more people have used the Internet as a great channel to find love. There are many ways in finding love through the internet, if you know where to look.

Dating Chat rooms

If you are the shy type, chat rooms may be the best way for you to find love. Dating chat rooms are commonly using various instant messaging programs. All you have to do is download it online, install it into your computer, and you are now ready to explore the world of cyber space. Dating chat rooms are packed with people who are also looking for partners. Most of dating chat rooms are public, so you are able to maximize your time and socialization skills at a single chat. Once you have established a link with another person, now you can start chatting privately. In most instances, private chats help you get to know each other better without revealing your full identity. It can be a comfy way to find love online, and it is fun, too!

After several chats, maybe you can try voice chat or talk on the phone, or, if you are ready, you two can meet. But, if your relationship with each other doesn't progress romantically, keep them around. Dating chat rooms can help you socialize more. Being friends with a lot of people can also help you find love. Yes, it uses a little bit of randomness to find love over the internet.

Dating Website

Dating website is also a way to find love through the internet. Dating websites can help you narrow down your search to find your match. Since it is getting more popular, there are plenty of people to choose from. And even if you have set your qualities about your ideal man, you can also be left with a reasonable amount of people who are potential mates.

Start with finding a good dating website through feedbacks and recommendations from others. Make a profile that talks about you and don't make it lengthy. Then, start widening your social circle. Initiate contacts with other people on the website, particularly those whose profile are a match with yours. It is best if you send messages to several prospects at a time, but still monitoring the one you really like. After a series of conversations over the dating website, maybe you two can meet in person and start getting more serious. Who knows, they may be the one you are looking for. If, by fate, things between you doesn't go well, keep them as your friends. Give yourself a chance to socialize, and have fun. Explore other alternatives that you can use through dating websites. And remember to always be honest if you want to find love that is for keeps.

Whether online or offline, finding true love can be a little complicated. You have to go through a lot, so never give in to the pressure. Instead, while waiting for the right one, enjoy what you have and what you are doing. Your true love will surely come around very soon.

By ALAN LIM
Source: http://www.amazines.com/Dating/article_detail.cfm/398432?articleid=398432

The Advantages of Internet Dating

What makes Internet dating a very attractive concept to a growing number of people? Know more about the advantages of dating on the internet through this article. Singles often find it difficult to date especially if they haven't been "out there" for quite some time. Good thing there is internet dating.

Dating on the internet gives you lots of opportunities to choose from, and since it is now widely used all over the world, you are now able to get to know other people in just a click. Dating in the Internet is accessible to all people who are looking for companions. And since it is now widely used as an alternative to traditional dating, singles are given more chances to find a match of their own. Internet dating in itself has been found to be the easiest way to find a mate. Even if you narrow your search down to your interests and hobby, you will still find quite a heap of people that match to your category. Be careful not to be too choosy in selecting a potential mate. You can go around a little bit and explore what you haven't tried yet. Since it is now commonly used by singles, people within it are not labelled as desperate anymore, and you can now be "out there" without looking too aggressive.

Realizing that you are not alone and that many people are also dating through the internet is refreshing for some people. It gives us the opportunity to look for a match, and be comfortable with it. Internet dating is also best for people who are not used to approaching people in person. It gives the shy opportunity to do what they cannot do in person.

Therefore, there are more chances of them showing their true self through internet dating. It also gives you the opportunity to meet other people in different areas of the world, or different areas of expertise. It breaks down the barriers that were set before you (e.g. different jobs, different social circles). Ideally, there is a picture that is posted in each profile. In that way, you can see who you are writing to. It also helps if you have an idea of what the person you're writing to looks like. It aids you to put together words that match what that person looks like. After several exchange of messages, both of you can decide if you take things further by sending each other e-mails, giving out your phone numbers, and even meeting in person. There are lots of possibilities where your initial contact could end to. If, however, both of you decides you aren't going through the relationship anymore, you can remain friends and still keep each other. In that way, you can expand your social circle and it helps to have a lot of friends. Internet dating has lots of advantages. Through it, you can now easily meet people from different walks of life, you can get to know them without being too scared that you might scare them away, and shy people can now do what they can't do in person.

It also gives us the notion that not all that dates over the internet is desperate because it is now commonly used by singles. By means of internet dating, you can put yourself out there and enjoy while you're in it. Good things come to those who wait, so have fun while waiting, and don't forget to look. You'll never know if the person for you has been right in front of you all along.

By ALAN LIM
Source: http://www.amazines.com/Dating/article_detail.cfm/399125?articleid=399125